This newsletter is arriving a little later than planned — and I’m okay with that! After a full and fulfilling May, I took a well-earned break away for a week with my family at the start of June. Sunshine, sea air, and stillness. A chance to slow down, reset, and reconnect. And in that space, something powerful happened — clarity returned, and a few special moments followed.
Last week, I was honoured to receive two awards at the Network Ireland Wexford Businesswoman of the Year event: 🏆 Emerging Businesswoman of the Year and 🏆 Networker of the Year. I was also proud to be a finalist in the County Wexford Chamber Business Awards on May 23rd in the Solopreneur of the Year category. While I didn’t win, being recognised alongside such purpose-led entrepreneurs was truly meaningful.
Recognition as Emotional Capital
As an Emotional Intelligence coach, I see recognition not as flattery or ego but as a reflection of values, intention, and consistency. In her book Time to Think, Nancy Kline reminds us that recognition is not praise for performance, but appreciation of being. When it’s sincere, it becomes a powerful source of emotional capital — something we can draw on in both quiet and visible moments of leadership.
These experiences reflect so many of the ECR competencies I help others cultivate:
Self-Confidence – trusting in your value, not your perfection
Self-Knowing – staying rooted in your purpose
Self-Actualisation – doing work that reflects who you truly are
Optimism – holding vision and resilience through challenge
Adaptability – meeting change with steadiness
Relationship Skills – nurturing real, human connection
Recognition becomes even more powerful when it reconnects us with why we do what we do.
Network Ireland Wexford finalists 2025
The Emotional Intelligence of Celebration
One thing I notice in many of my coaching sessions is that even the most emotionally aware leaders often struggle to celebrate themselves. They downplay their wins. Move straight to the next thing. Or brush off success with “I was just lucky.” Emotional Intelligence asks us not just to regulate — but to feel. To acknowledge joy. To let pride in. To honour the journey.
As Martyn Newman from Roche Martin says, “Self-regard is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence.” It’s not just about accepting ourselves in the low moments — it’s about allowing ourselves to truly feel the good ones.
And as Mimi Nicklin reminds us, when we suppress even positive emotions, we lose access to empathy, energy and connection.
Susan David captures it powerfully:
“When we deny our emotions, they own us. When we own them, we can move forward.”
So this month, I let myself celebrate. I paused. I felt it. And I invite you to do the same — no matter how big or small the win.
Leading in Everyday Spaces
Leadership isn’t just about roles or recognition. It’s about presence — in every room you enter. Whether I’m coaching senior leaders, facilitating ECR assessments, supporting local community projects like the Friends of Rathaspeck Church Restoration Fund or Rotary Club of Wexford projects, networking or helping coach my daughter’s U8 girls’ football team, the same principles apply:
✅ Show up ✅ Care deeply ✅ Lead with intention, not just title
This is Emotional Intelligence in action
To My Growing Network — Thank You
To those newly connected — hello and welcome. To those who’ve followed the journey — thank you. We’ve just passed 3,500 connections here, and while it’s not about numbers, it is a reflection of the movement around emotional intelligence, human-centred leadership, and meaningful work. I’m grateful this space continues to grow through real connection, curiosity, and shared purpose.
A Thought to Leave You With
Where might you need to slow down, not because you’re behind — but because you’re ready to move with more intention? What kind of recognition do you need to give yourself today?
Thanks for being here. Let’s keep leading with clarity, with heart, and with human connection at the core.
Want to discover more on how to increase your own Emotional Intelligence, book a discovery call.
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